PhatSpeed3 マツダ BL3FW

Well I have had this car for about 3 months now and don't have any regrets, this car is a real sleeper. Most of my driving is on the highway and this car is just a blast, tons of torque in every gear!!

Wondering how many other Mazdaspeed3 owners we have here? I was on some of the other Mazda3 forums and there does not seem to be very much info on the model I have as of yet, and the owners on those other forums just don't seem like they want to help each other out as much as us Miata guys.

What aftermarket exhaust are you guys running? I am looking a the HKS LEGAMAX Premium because I have owned the HKS stuff in the past and the quality is second to none.

http://www.hks-power.co.jp/en/produc...ffler/db/11193

Also found this Fujitsubo but almost a grand for that one

http://page14.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/j...ion/s277268080

Or maybe KAKIMOTO

http://page17.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/j...ion/v312013805




Pics of my Mazdaspeed3 when I first picked it up ........

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8075/8...5a6e31b3_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8077/8...f1687006_c.jpg

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8504/8...7373689c_c.jpg

Mazdaspeedforums.org. Yours is the same as all the 2010+ models.

must.......... resist................ modding........................ :frantic:



http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8114/8...c1b8a105_b.jpg

That thing is badass!!

That's the happiest race car I've ever seen!

Not sure how it is on the 2010+, but from what I hear, you dont gain much other than sound from a catback.
my buddy has an 09 with
Cobb AP
Test pipe
Autotech FP Internals
Cobb Intake
Turbosmart BOV

The thing is pretty damn quick. Make sure you do Internals if you do anything other than the AP and intake to avoid Zoom-Zoom-Boom. Or, get an AP and keep an eye on your Fuel pressure (dont let it go under 1700) They are great cars and can be built to be super reliable.

You need internals on a 2010+ from what i hear though. Stock one cant handle the extra load

I love the MS3's and that is a great color!!

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Originally Posted by sdemo45

That's the happiest race car I've ever seen!

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lol..... it does look like its smilin' doesnt it ? lol ... funny

What kind of HP, torque and weight are we looking at on something like this Phat?

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Originally Posted by afc2112

What kind of HP, torque and weight are we looking at on something like this Phat?

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The MZR engine has a factory-advertised 263 horsepower and 287 lb-ft of torque :frantic: It is in fact a turn-key Monster.

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Originally Posted by Phatmiata

must.......... resist................ modding........................ :frantic:

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Comooooon, maybe just mod a LITTLE?? Lol. Shit after that Beach n Boost event I think think these cars are awesome, esp with some tasteful mods.

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Originally Posted by scottsimsa

Comooooon, maybe just mod a LITTLE?? Lol. Shit after that Beach n Boost event I think think these cars are awesome, esp with some tasteful mods.

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Yeah I have been doing more research on the cars, honestly the engine is a beast, the motor might get some bolt-ons, but any other funds would go for suspension and wheel / tire stuff.

Looks really good! I love it! Sadly it's not available on my part of the world!

HKS stuff is nice. But I can't stop saying how awesome Fujitsubo is with their exhausts. Really high quality, light weight, and awesome sound.

This car is sweet. Buy an access port. Intake + exhaust and it should be golden.

Just wish it was AWD though.

Cool looking Rain / Window Visors here from Auto-EXE, but the price is $100 more than OEM so I might have to cheap out and do the OEM.

http://www.apagency.jp/accessory/visor/800051117/

http://www.apagency.jp/images/autoexe_238_3.jpg

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Originally Posted by etikoner

Just wish it was AWD though.

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Did you drive one you like I told you??? You will laugh your ass off at the ridiculous amounts of power it puts down.

Joined you today
Owner of a 2013 CWP with tech :D

cwp ftw!

Got to check out Phatspeed3 in person and it is suhweet!

(insert pict of real fat chick on MS3 hood here)

So tell me how you enjoy the 3? Any complaints? I'd love to have one as an outrageously overpowered daily. ;D

It's either that, or a manual swapped crown vic with cams and exhaust.

my vote for Greddy exhaust, if they make a turbo exhaust kit get it, you won'y regret it!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tungsten6

Joined you today
Owner of a 2013 CWP with tech :D

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Congrats. These cars are ridiculously fun as a daily driver. It takes a lot of self control not to go WOT through the gears though. It's just too much fun.

Yeah lol my dad has had a MS6 for 6 years now.. Loved driving it but couldnt stand the sedan. Love my little wagon <3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBxSntGGm8U

Hahaha, well it was already totalled anyway.

Still sad to see!! I'd freak out if that was my car!!

Oh!

He would be paying for a new car after that.

For some reason, I'm not able to read page 2, unless I post! :confused:

I didn't know the ms3 had that many horses under the hood. I wish I had the cash to pick on up. It's a damn awesome car. I don't know how you could stop yourself from modding it, Phat.

They are really fun as is..... I loaded up my dads acessport on the car tonight though... Omg...

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Originally Posted by Ihatecars

I didn't know the ms3 had that many horses under the hood. I wish I had the cash to pick on up. It's a damn awesome car. I don't know how you could stop yourself from modding it, Phat.

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it's easy to not mod it, I just buy Miata parts, then I has no monies for MS3 parts :teehee:

Halloween Mods................

its the "MONSTERspeed3' now. :mrgreen:

https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3940/...f66fb172_z.jpg


complete with spooky skeleton co-pilot. :toomuch:

https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7465/...4e95500d8b.jpg


on a side note, the car now has 33k miles and is still balls to the walls fast!

I took it to the dealership for the oil change and they said I need a new air filter. ( I just banged it on the concrete, its good )

but maybe its time for a CAI upgrade?

CAI and Turbosmart Dual BOV at the same time.

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Originally Posted by SM16RMSM

CAI and Turbosmart Dual BOV at the same time.

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Link to items?

I was actually looking at the Corksport Stage 2 intake kit, it says you get +25 lb. torque and +33 HP

This would take the car to 312 lb. torque, and 296 hp :twisted:

How is the gas mileage on this in real driving. By that I mean including some spirited revs and slightly over the speed limit highway drive. I already got an okay to trade our faithful 205k old Mazda 5 but it has to be a van or a wagon (according to the car planner I married), so I would reckon this will fall in the category.

I went with the JBR intake. The sound alone makes it worth while. And I get about 19 mpg average...

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Originally Posted by mx54life

How is the gas mileage on this in real driving. By that I mean including some spirited revs and slightly over the speed limit highway drive. I already got an okay to trade our faithful 205k old Mazda 5 but it has to be a van or a wagon (according to the car planner I married), so I would reckon this will fall in the category.

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My commute to work and then back home is an average of 50 miles per day @ 24.1 avg MPG, however 70% of that is highway, and 30% city.

I have a VERY hard time not going into boost, its just too much fun. I think the car eats up tires like crazy though, probably due to the power and FWD. Last night I was accidentally riding the clutch to bump the revs to make a turn light and did a quarter mile burnout instead. I was like oh crap, my bad! :teehee: Looking in my rear view to make sure no cops saw that. :whistle:

Slightly over the speed limit? :ninja: Not sure what you are talking about but I did some independent wind testing on the MonsterSpeed3 Halloween Teeth I used on the car to see at what speed they would break loose. Used 3M Velcro and they stayed secure at 100+

There is a decent sized back cargo area, and a lot more if you fold the seats down. But not as much as a Mazda 5.

As for this "Mazdaspeed" version it was a turbo version that has been discontinued for the new body style, so if you want the turbo version you would need to find a pre-owned model.

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Originally Posted by smaeda

I went with the JBR intake. The sound alone makes it worth while. And I get about 19 mpg average...

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I am sure I asked already, but do you have a link to that intake? I really want a catback exhaust but WOW they are expensive for these cars!

Maybe?

http://www.jamesbaroneracing.com/sho...roducts_id=490

Yep I went with that one. Exhaust is generally not recommended till you upgrade the fuel pump internals. Next upgrade should be the rear motor mounts and AccessPort with fuelpump internals.

Ultimate Racing has some nice exhaust offerings that are on the less expensive side. There are also a number of posts I've seen referencing an eBay downpipe that's straight up cheap and works just as well as a Cobb unit.
Keep tabs on what the weekly sale is at Edge Autosport. They post it in the vendor forums on Mazdaspeedforums. Their weekly sales are all over the spectrum, from downpipes one week to brake components the next. Their customer service is great, too! They're also a reseller for jbr, so you might score a nice deal on an intake, motor mounts, a battery box, sway bars...
Also, if you haven't already, do yourself a favor and get a short throw shifter. Jbr for gen one, corksport (or Cobb if you can find one) for gen two.
To the person who asked about real world mileage, my daily commute on surface streets shows about 20mpg. Four hours of highway driving last weekend, typically 75-85mph, offered up 26mpg. That's in a gen one, so there might be a little difference between mine and the newer cars.

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Originally Posted by Phatmiata

Link to items?

I was actually looking at the Corksport Stage 2 intake kit, it says you get +25 lb. torque and +33 HP

This would take the car to 312 lb. torque, and 296 hp :twisted:

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I was thinking Corksport Stage III. I was almost ready to buy when the MS3 was traded in for a 2010 SS Camaro. Sad day but this more gives me a reason to buy the body kit for the RB25 Miata now.

I thought you were gonna do an LS motor swap?

Bumping an old thread, but I like all this Mazdaspeed3 talk :D

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Originally Posted by Quigs

Bumping an old thread, but I like all this Mazdaspeed3 talk :D

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Ah I forgot about this thread. :lol:

I just kicked over 40,000 miles on the MS3 this week!

http://i.imgur.com/7y6di6h.jpg

disclaimer professional driver, closed course disclaimer

Zero problems with the car other than the factory tires being too soft and wear out too fast.

Planning to get harder tires on the next go around.

Still loving it?

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Originally Posted by theothersawyer

Still loving it?

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Yes its a great daily driver, hauls kids and groceries faster than your average car too!

That is good! Having a nice comfy daily is always nice! Trade it in on an ND? lol

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Originally Posted by theothersawyer

That is good! Having a nice comfy daily is always nice! Trade it in on an ND? lol

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Yes it very comfy for a daily driver.

Trade up for an ND Miata? Well, not an option when I have to take 2 kids to school everyday.
But if they ever make an AWD version of the Mazdaspeed3 I would trade up for that!

My wife's DD is a 2014 Mazda 3 5 door (not the speed version). Before that she had a 2011 version of the same car, & although I liked the 2011, the 2014 is WAY better in almost every way.
When she got it I figured the 2014 would be pretty much the same as the 2011...boy was I wrong!

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Originally Posted by Phatmiata

Yes it very comfy for a daily driver.

Trade up for an ND Miata? Well, not an option when I have to take 2 kids to school everyday.
But if they ever make an AWD version of the Mazdaspeed3 I would trade up for that!

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I've fit 3 grown adults in a Miata before, you can fit you and your two kids!

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Originally Posted by theothersawyer

I've fit 3 grown adults in a Miata before, you can fit you and your two kids!

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Maybe in GA its different, but not legal here to have a child in a front seat until age 7 or something and they have to weigh a certain amount of pounds, and one child per seat, blah blah blah, I would get pulled over by the police here. hhahhaa

oh and I have had 4 people in a Miata serveral times :winky:, so yes its possible

You could always put your least favorite kid in the trunk! hahah kidding!

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Originally Posted by Phatmiata

Ah I forgot about this thread. :lol:

I just kicked over 40,000 miles on the MS3 this week!

http://i.imgur.com/7y6di6h.jpg

disclaimer professional driver, closed course disclaimer

Zero problems with the car other than the factory tires being too soft and wear out too fast.

Planning to get harder tires on the next go around.

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Just rolled 60k miles on my 09. And yeah, the stock tires really suck. Much better with some wider wheels, good suspension, and tires that are actually worth a darn. A lot of people like the Michelin Pilot Super Sports for good grip and long lasting daily tires. I've been thinking about trying them out when my RE760s wear out. Though, for the price I paid, I love the 760s for every day driving with quite a bit of spirited cornering.

Every state is different, and yes, you absolutely can not have 2 kids in the front seat, but I've been driving with just one of my kids in the car since they were born. If there is no back seat, there is no front seat. I've never been pulled over and the top is usually down, so it's not like I'm hiding the passenger.

I happen to have a '10 with the Pilot Super Sport tires. Its my DD in Ohio, and I have a love/hate relationship with it. Its awful in the snow, and every year I hope will be a snow-free year. Its almost completely stock, save for the JBR TIP / CAI setup and a short shift, and I'm currently sitting around 80k on the clock. In the summer its great - makes me really want to go f/i in the miata. Cargo space is also really useful, as its basically my pickup truck.

My only real complaint is that I can't decide if snow tires would make it suck less in the winter. That, and that I don't want to mod it at all because I want it to be reliable. Driving in the salt of winter tends to take a toll on cars pretty quickly.

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Originally Posted by Blueiii

I happen to have a '10 with the Pilot Super Sport tires. Its my DD in Ohio, and I have a love/hate relationship with it. Its awful in the snow, and every year I hope will be a snow-free year. Its almost completely stock, save for the JBR TIP / CAI setup and a short shift, and I'm currently sitting around 80k on the clock. In the summer its great - makes me really want to go f/i in the miata. Cargo space is also really useful, as its basically my pickup truck.

My only real complaint is that I can't decide if snow tires would make it suck less in the winter. That, and that I don't want to mod it at all because I want it to be reliable. Driving in the salt of winter tends to take a toll on cars pretty quickly.

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Everything I've read makes it sound like snow tires are definitely worth it. I can't comment with my own experience though, as I mostly drive my Jeep through the winter. I also remove my summer tires and put my stock wheels back on the Speed for November through March as the Bridgestones really suck at under 40*F ambient temperature. It's hard finding a true year round tire that offers the performance of a summer tire, the longevity of a touring tire, and the colder weather functionality of an all-season. I think most people just believe that the Michelin PSS is CLOSEST tire to achieve all three, but is still far from perfect.

I do understand the salt eating away cars relatively quickly, but I wouldn't be worried about longevity or reliability issues regarding modding a Speed3. As long as you are smart about it and keep up with maintenance there is no reason a fully bolted or even big turbo Speed can't still be a reliable daily driver. It['s the people that go full retard that lose all the reliability haha.

Snow tires are worth it. I used to think they weren't until I tried a set. If I lived back up north, I would definitely have a set. As far as Michelins go, I have Pilot Sport AS3s on my e30 and love them.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blueiii

........ Its awful in the snow, and every year I hope will be a snow-free year. .......

.........Driving in the salt of winter tends to take a toll on cars pretty quickly.

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Meanwhile here in Florida ......... :whistle:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Ba0FN4NCIAACfYG.jpg

Yup! I'm loving the weather these last few days!

Another vote for snow tires. I have run them for at least the last 15 years.

My mazdaspeed 3 had a cork sport on exhaust on it including the careless downpipe. That is where u get most of your power. As well as their 3 inch intake. I did there first fuel pump internals and then they had to be taken out for a revision so once they did that they sent me a new one. Go fast or go home rich tuning did my 93 tune as well as my e85. Ets top mount intercooler took care of the air. Primary and secondary egr delete was done. Jbr oil catch can. Oil restrictor bolt in turbo. The forge ninja sword v1 bpv. The cork sport short shift block and the bushings was a nice upgrade. I also did their wiper delete. Did the rally flaps and eibach springs to bring it down. 5mm spacers for the privat wheels. Corksports big mouth carbon scoop the first batch that sold out. Car made 330 hp and almost 400 on torque with the e85. Had some other parts on it as well from grim racing, jbr, and some others I can't even remember. It was a very fun car to say the least!

That's a lot of power for a FWD. lol

Yea it was scary fast. Could melt the tires on demand basically. The e85 is the key. You shouldnt run just straight e85 or the fuel pump the one under the hood will get Black Death and get gummed up a lot. So I went with 6.5 gallons of e85 and 6.5 gallons of 93. Perfect mixture. Running the e tune vs the 93 tune was night and day. Get tuned for e85 and :) phat, if you ever have any questions on speed 3 just pm me.

Update with the Mazdaspeed3

Still really happy with this car. The factory tires are very soft and wear out fast though, so I replaced them with some harder tires since most of my driving is highway commuting anyhow.

Also had the A/C cooling fan motor replaced under warranty!! Really happy with my local service rep Anthony Homez at Precision Mazda Tampa for leaning heavy on Mazda North America to cover all costs since my mileage was over the warranty limits. However I reported the issue of the compressor tank purging around 30k miles. I'm sure Mazda could have just blown me off and made me eat the $600 bill, but Anthony was able to show them this was all related.

In other news I have this sweet 2015 Mazda3 rental while they are working on the speed3 today. They are doing the brake pads and rotors but apparently I was too hard on the rotors so they have to replace them. But there are no OEM Mazdapeed3 brake rotors available in the state so they have to ship them in.

http://imgur.com/owmGcfC.jpg

This car is pretty sporty though. Very nice interior too, and automatic plus manual transmission. I do love the looks of this next gen but no factory turbo option is a deal breaker for me. Still this is the best rental I have driving in a long time! Thanks again to Anthony Gomez at Precision Mazda Tampa for taking great care of his customers!! This guy needs some kind of excellence award, seriously, he always goes above and beyond for the customers, I could not be happier.

http://imgur.com/QNr8mts.jpg

http://imgur.com/nUjVPXu.jpg

The MS3 is the car that I almost got but the 6 sitting Mazda 5 got the freakin' vote. But I don't regret coz' as a daily driver after 200K+later the damn car is still strong. Anyhow I have driven the variant of this MS3 in the AWD form which was the MS6. And I have to agree that these boosted MZR are wicked. It's not much of the HP but the equivalent torque is the one that blew my butt all thru the 6 gears. Technically you have drive one of these to really appreciate what you are missing and for the price range it was unbeatable in my opinion. The thought of owning one even in a used form is still haunting me to this date. My son is driving soon so he can get the Mazda 5 (if I can solely decide) LOL. THEN I can find me a decent used one......

Randy did you ever wonder how wonderful if MS3 was an AWD? Not that it would matter but push her in the corners without fear? Well a friend is actually looking to see if he can find a good Mazda 3 with bad engine so he can transfer his MS6 into that car lol. I am pretty sure that a little massaging for the rear AWD component to bolt-on and fit but the platform is pretty much a plug and play. He dreamed of this since we read of the "Bosswagon" project where they fitted the MS3 engine into the Mazda 5.

IMHO this the engine that Mazda should have shoe in to the ND. They would have blown out the competition. This potent power house will put the ND in a different level. I still can't forget the thrill in balance of HP and Torq when I drove the MS6 some 7 years ago. Like you, my friend still grins when he drives his MS6, the real "sleeper" ugly look lol. Why the factory abandoned the Turbo MZR still puzzles me.

Unless Mazda makes a turbo AWD MS3 I will be keeping this car as long as I can. Its that good.

Got my hoopty back, wooooo wooooo!!

http://imgur.com/rURzv4q.jpg
http://imgur.com/rwkfSt7.jpg

Me want one too!

How's the maintenance cost for the last two years?

LOL never mind you haven't driven her over 10k yet? You are not worthy yet........lol

Huh? It has 47,000 miles on it so far. No maintence other than the wear items, tires, brakes

A man should do his own brakes

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Originally Posted by Unk577

A man should do his own brakes

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This!

I dont have the spare time, and dont even have spare time to work on the Miata. Unlike Mr. uk577 with the sweet 4 days on, 4 days off work schedule

1on 2off.

Stop sleeping in on Sundays and you'd have plenty of time. :toomuch:

Can't sleep when you are racing that damn V8 down the street. :blaugh2:

Just trying to help you out

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Originally Posted by Phatmiata

Huh? It has 47,000 miles on it so far. No maintence other than the wear items, tires, brakes

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Oh right sorry I can't see clearly from your pic. But yes this what have made me a believer with Mazda. My Mazda 5 only needed wear items even after 200k+ miles. Transmission oil is still original. Manual says no change needed, dealer confirmed it. I just flush the coolant once around 150k.

alarm clock goes VROOOOOM!

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Originally Posted by Demon I Am

alarm clock goes VROOOOOM!

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?????? :shrug: ¿ no comprendo?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Phatmiata

?????? :shrug: ¿ no comprendo?

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I think he's referring to Brian zooming by your house (alarm clock) on Sunday mornings waking you out of your slumber.

Exactly

Got new tires and some other ZOOM ZOOM goodies I need to install

http://imgur.com/7j1k2NX.jpg
http://imgur.com/dlhT3h1.jpg

Met up with Heath from MazdaMovement and bought some toys he removed from is 2013 MS3

* Intake kit
* Blow off Valve
* 3" Turbo Down pipe
* 3" Test Pipe (cat delete)
* 3" Catback Exhaust
* Mudflaps

http://imgur.com/dHjIp94.jpg

http://imgur.com/vijJXJX.jpg

http://imgur.com/9k8myes.jpg

http://imgur.com/kTxc0Te.jpg

Awwwwe yeah!!!

I'm guessing NinjaJeff will be installing all of this goodness? :mrgreen:

very funny :roll:

Those new to you parts look good. What's the potential you'll receive out of them?

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Originally Posted by mini_fd

Those new to you parts look good. What's the potential you'll receive out of them?

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around 350 whp, more with a tune and down pipe fitted

Crikey!

And it's all in the front... Jk that's pretty quick

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Originally Posted by Phatmiata

very funny :roll:

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...but true? :teehee:

laugh it up fuzzball

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Phatmiata

laugh it up fuzzball

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I'll go get the hydrospanners now...

Should probably install the fuel pump internals before those mods.

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Originally Posted by smaeda

Should probably install the fuel pump internals before those mods.

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Just gonna do the exhaust, intake, and BOV for now

the Testpipe, and Downpipe will have to wait until I get a accessport, and injectors etc etc

What oil filter are you using? I'm hearing that 3 owners are using FD oil filters which is an anti drain filter and some FD owners are using the new sky active hiflow filters.

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Originally Posted by mini_fd

What oil filter are you using? I'm hearing that 3 owners are using FD oil filters which is an anti drain filter and some FD owners are using the new sky active hiflow filters.

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Whatever the stock filter is what I am using. :shrug:

Is this coming to the meet tomorrow

Not much to report on the Speed3. Car still runs like a champ. Getting the brakes done at Mazda today with free oil change and noticed some forged Volk / Rays wheels sitting on the rack.

mmmmmmmmmmmm........ so much want

Mazdaspeed Volk / Rays Wheels Mazda Part # QBM1-3K-E50

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4588/...b03e848b_h.jpgMazdaspeed Volk / Rays Wheels Mazda Part # QBM1-3K-E50 by Randy George, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4636/...87a7a219_b.jpgMazdaspeed Volk / Rays Wheels Mazda Part # QBM1-3K-E50 by Randy George, on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4682/...2541ad0c_h.jpgMazdaspeed Volk / Rays Wheels Mazda Part # QBM1-3K-E50 by Randy George, on Flickr

No story here unless those end up on the car....:mrgreen:

Crapyy update............

I had some jerk in a VW make a left turn in front of my Mazdaspeed3 ( he jumped in front of me, oncoming traffic, in the rain WTH?)

Sad face now..........



Mazdaspeed3 is likely Totaled now.

Good news is that Me and the kiddos are safe now, but I had a MASSIVE headache immediately, as we well as back, neck, shoulder, arm, pretty much, just pain

This was my first experience with an airbag car, the car filled with stinky smoke and I was very disoriented from that impact and the airbag crap burned my stomach.

The other Driver got a ticket (Failure to Yield) from Florida Highway Patrol, and I got a totaled Mazdaspeed3. :cry:


Im home, kids are fine, I have a massive headache and back & neck hurts, and now Im stuck in a crappy rental car. Need to find a new or used car asap, got any ideas? I loved this car so I might get another but this was the last model year so it will be hard to find a nice one. Might also look at the Nissan 370Z. Im staying with Japanese cars, so no Merica cars and no Eurotrash.

Well Phat first off thankfully you and your family is ok!!

Car wise i think you deserve another Miata i dont think you've had enough.
But i'd look into a Mazdaspeed6 for that AWD action or an RX 8 to stay Mazda so you can be in the same type of car as the 370Z or ball out and get a track package RF.

Problem is a need 4 seats because I have 2 kids and need room for them, for some reason I thought the 370Z had at least some useless back seats but not looking that way so that might be out as well.

PS I am gonna mail your shifter ring Friday because today was nuts with the rental and insurance, kids school, and work. :fp:

Yeah true sometimes we have to be practical about are cars.

And take as much time as you need to send it. No worries at all!

I don’t know if you’re interested in only small, performance cars as your DD but I’ve been checking out 2015-2016 KIA K900s around $23K-$26K and OMG, blown away by the luxury and V8. Wow!

https://www.kiaofportcharlotte.com/a...e-fl/30874449/

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I was searching online, might try out a Mitsu Evo, or Subaru STi those seem to be about the same as what I had before, the only Mazdaspeed3's I can find in my area are ragged out

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Phatmiata

I was searching online, might try out a Mitsu Evo, or Subaru STi those seem to be about the same as what I had before, the only Mazdaspeed3's I can find in my area are ragged out

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I test drove the new STI definitely fun and worth what you'd be paying.

Bummer, Randy! Glad to hear you and the family are okay though, that's the important bit. My grandfather used to say "They make new cars every day, they can't make another you".

There's a 2012 white Speed3 w/ 56K miles here in Maine for $14K (on Craigslist, no pics, allegedly West Coast car until last year). One of my best buddies drives an '08 'Speed3 with a whole pile of miles on it, so I'd say 56K is just getting started. Fall foliage trip to New England?

Hatchbacks are so versatile... and you can't get a new WRX in a hatch, unfortunately. If I were to buy a Subaru, I'd want the newer 2.0L engine, the 2.5's are known for going "boom" and I know several who've had that happen.

Maybe a CX5? The styling is great, all the reviewers love 'em, and it would have the added benefit of a bit more growing room for your kiddos. I know it's not going to be as fun to DD as a Speed3, but Kirin will have boost soon to scratch that itch...

-Matt

My Mom drives a 2016 CX-5 she loves it and its a great road trip car and roomy. It is really peppy loves when you're hard on it. The "sport" mode actually is an improvement to performance when its on the car holds gears and shifts faster. My only complaint is the car is a little soft in corners I know i'm comparing that to a miata but my dad and I convinced her its a "safety hazard" so we got some Tokiko shocks and now it feels way better. overall the car is great!

Glad the kids are OK!

I would be happy to look for MS3 in the ATL area for you.

Are you looking for new or used cars besides? I'm looking for another car for my wife, she likes the '10-12 RAV4. She wants the V6 with AWD. It surprised me how quick it was 6-6.3 seconds, defintely roomier than our e46 wagon.

I know you don't like Euros, but the last two generations of GTIs are reaaaally nice, especially inside. It's far superior inside than any comparable Japanese car I've been in.

Between the Subaru and the Evo, I would take the Subaru, wagon, but just the WRX version, not the STI. Anything after '10 to get the sculpted front fenders the STI had. You should get better support from Subaru for maintenance and service.

Can't go wrong with the Subaru.

If you're looking for a hatchback, then you're still looking for an older car 2011-2014 wrx hatchbacks are a bit harder to find, clean and unmolested these days.

If you can live without hatchback, go with the STI. Lots of trunk space, room for 3 kids in the back, I have 2 car seats in the back of mine. Suspension is a bit firm for daily use, if that's a concern, then try the WRX and get better fuel economy with the newer motor.

Miata and STI is a good combo:

https://farm1.staticflickr.com/306/3...a5107111_c.jpg20161224_080254 by Geoff Rocks, on Flickr

Geff you got yourself a rare color STI if you choose to sell it you can make your money back and some extra.

I would like to think so, but I've seen the hyperblue come up for resell locally, and they're not fetching a premium at the moment.....too new. And the '18 and '19 models have newer features like the 19in wheels and 6 pot calipers

Phat, if you don't like the big waaang for shuttling kids, look for a STI in the Limited trim, they offer them with the wingless trunk

https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1938/...02afc2e3_z.jpg00C0C_bVrhyJGyThH_600x450 by Geoff Rocks, on Flickr

Glad you're ok! My Mazdaspeed 3 is for sale.... 2010 with 39k miles. I haven't officially listed it yet, as I'm waiting to hear about the state inspection for the Infiniti G20 im buying as a low cost replacement.

Glad everyone is OK. That air bag going off must have been quite an experience.

A couple things to consider...

Popular Japanese cars generally have a high resell value and are too expensive to buy used. If you must have a Japanese car, then consider looking at new ones. New Japanese cars are not that much more expensive than used ones. New also gets you better finance terms while you get the future resale value benefit.

This Detroiter says take a second look at a new RWD Dodge Challenger or Charger. The Challenger has larger leg room than you would think. Perfect Florida cars for criss-cross roads and no snow. Feel the torque!
If you are going used, look at low mileage 2004~2009 GTO's.
This is zoom zoom and it's in Florida https://www.ebay.com/itm/2006-Pontia...7:pf:0&vxp=mtr

About your totaled MazdaSpeed 3... Is that engine a bolt-in for a Mazda NC ? Displacement + turbo seems like a great combination. Phat track car ohhhh-ya

Nice to hear the Mazda3 did it's job when the impact happened.

Since you now are force feeding the Miata it's no need for a wanna-be-sports-car as the family-hauler. :)

What about the Mazda6 2.5T?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onqlfzi0Rso

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Phatmiata

The MZR engine has a factory-advertised 263 horsepower and 287 lb-ft of torque :frantic: It is in fact a turn-key Monster.

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You can swap that MZR engine to a NC and own a NC roadster. It’s a direct swap bolt to transmission and harness easily

Last chapter in this story....... car is "Officially" totalled out by the insurance company.:(

unfortunately I cannot find a nice non-ragged out Mazdaspeed3, so I have to find myself a new daily driver.........................







https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1919/...bbffb5b6_z.jpgSTi Shift Knob by Randy George, on Flickr

Attachment 19363





Hmmm, does it have something like this in it?

Attachment 19364

you're close orange i think it has this.

Attachment 19365

JKJK congrats on the car!! Cant wait to see it!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Agent☣Orange

Attachment 19363





Hmmm, does it have something like this in it?

Attachment 19364

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No, like this
http://www.licmotorsports.com/upload...-1938_orig.jpg

Did it come with a case of Monster, flat brim baseball hat, and a vape mod? ;)

Yeeeeee

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4093/...d4eee278_b.jpg

Sorry to hear about your crash. I'm so happy to hear you and your family are safe. STI should provide great fun. The jokes about the spun bearings, ring land failures, bros, flat brim hats, energy drinks and vaping are funny because there's always a healthy dose of truth in stereotypes. I wish you good luck with the new car. I considered the STI briefly before I got my Alfa Romeo Giulia Ti but never got around to test driving one. One drive in the Alfa and I was hooked. So I decided to get the Alfa while I still could (their position in the USA is tenuous at best) and I wanted a car with the FCW/AEB/ACC features that pretty much require an automatic transmission. I don't want an automatic STI but the ZF8 in the Alfa is pretty darn good.

One year me and boston813 took his STI to the Tail of the Dragon instead of our Miatas. We had a blast but could only do about 1 pass in each direction (318 curves in 11 miles) before we needed to refill the gas tank. With a fuel capacity of 15.9 gallons, we were only getting about 2mpg when romping on it hard. It was hilarious but it wasn't any faster on those tight roads than a well driven Miata.

https://www.jokejive.com/images/joke...09074c36a.jpeg

Pics of new DD or ban! ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Martin

Pics of new DD or ban! ;)

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Not sure if I'm keeping it, so not gonna post it hahhahaa

Post a teaser shot :twisted:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MiataQuest

Post a teaser shot :twisted:

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Of the hat too.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4906/...fe70c19c_b.jpg2017 Subaru Limited STi by Randy George, on Flickr


So I got this 2017 Subaru STI as a replacement, however after a month of driving it I decided it wont work as a daily driver for me because it only gets 15 MPG on the highway :shock:

And then for this Black Friday Cyber Weekend I traded in that Subaru for this shiny 2013 Mazdaspeed3, and I could not be happier with almost 30 MPG on the highway and just as fast as the other car IMHO.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4899/...c61ef0a0_b.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Phatmiata

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4906/...fe70c19c_b.jpg2017 Subaru Limited STi by Randy George, on Flickr


So I got this 2017 Subaru STI as a replacement, however after a month of driving it I decided it wont work as a daily driver for me because it only gets 15 MPG on the highway :shock:

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Love is what defines a Subaru, not gas mileage. :lol:
Wow only 15 MPG, that's crazy with today's technology. Is that because you kept your foot in it?

My 1979 V8 302 Thunderbird now gets 20 mpg highway after I de-smogged it.
My 2001 Chevrolet Blazer that is shaped like a brick got 20.6 mpg last week driving to Tennessee and back. The only mod it has is a better exhaust.

Glad you are happy with the MS3. You should write up a brief comparison between the two.

Glad you found a 'Speed3, Randy! A good friend of mine highway commutes in his and loves it. I think he's at or near 200K miles and never had an issue.

-Matt

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MiataQuest

Love is what defines a Subaru, not gas mileage. :lol:
Wow only 15 MPG, that's crazy with today's technology. Is that because you kept your foot in it?

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Hardly, the gas mileage was a LOT lower when I would flog this car.

I was also shocked at the poor gas mileage in such a new 2017 car.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MiataQuest

..........You should write up a brief comparison between the two.

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okay like a pros and cons... ??

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Phatmiata

okay like a pros and cons... ??

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Which one would you rather pick for track laps and the Dragon?
Which one is more fun to drive on the highway?

On paper they look nearly identical, but I can assure you they are not.

2017 Subaru WRX STI -----VS------ 2013 Mazda Mazdaspeed3

Subaru-STi Engine 305 hp, 290 lb-ft
Mazdaspeed3 Engine 263 hp, 280 lb-ft

Subaru-STi Curb weight: 3,391 lbs
Mazdaspeed3 Curb weight: 3,281 lbs

Subaru-STi Stated MPG: 17 city / 23 highway
Subaru-STi Actual MPG: 12 city / 15 highway

Mazdaspeed3 Stated MPG: 18 city / 25 highway
Mazdaspeed3 Actual MPG: 18 city / 28 highway

Subaru-STi Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx : gal 15.9
Mazdaspeed3 Fuel Tank Capacity, Approx : gal 15.9

Subaru-STi MSRP: From $35,195
Mazdaspeed3 MSRP: From $24,995


POWER
Both cars are very fast, the Subaru's AWD will help you launch with no problems, however the Mazdaspeed3 you will get some wheel spin as to be expected with most FWD cars and since the Mazdaspeed3 has so much power that comes on tap right away there is a lot of torque steer. The Mazdaspeed3s turbo is very quick to spool and the power is immediate, the mid-range has tons of torque too, so best not to get into full boost unless you are already rolling. The Subaru takes a bit to the build power up, it has a lot of boost lag IMHO, but once it spools up hold on!!

HANDLING
Both cars hug the curves with no problem, but I will say the Subaru felt like it hugged the corners better. The Subaru feels more planted as well, and a bit lower/flatter, but on the other hand it felt too heavy and sluggish at low speeds, where as the Mazdaspeed3 still feels very light and nimble, much like a Miata. I will say the Mazdaspeed3 has a much better / tighter turning radius, and the STi you will need more room to make a U-Turn or tight parking spot.

COMFORT
The suspension in the Subaru has two settings, Sport, and Super Sport, but ill be damned if I could feel much difference. Im not sure if it was the seats or the suspension or both in the Subaru but it was not fun on my daily highway commutes My butt and back felt like they got a workout everyday. The Mazdaspeed3 was much nicer ride quality on my 40 y/o butt, and back, where as the Subaru felt like a lowered car already, it was not kind at all to my butt.

MILEAGE
The Subaru Gas mileage was actually quite a joke, especially when all the other 2017 Japanese cars are getting close to 30 and 40 MPG, I was expecting the same, so I was really disappointed in this category. I even called the dealer and was like, ummmm are these cars supposed to get such crappy mileage? The salesman chuckled, "yes, mine is lucky to get 17 if I hypermile it, hahahahah." The Mazdaspeed3 can get 28 MPG on the highway all day long (as long as you are not in boost). I tried that in the Subaru and best I can get is 15 MPG. Both have the same size gas tank and the Subaru got 225 miles on a tank of gas, whereas the Mazdaspeed can get close to 390 miles on a tank of gas.

Both cars are blast to drive, however being as I commute 50+ miles per day for work the Gas Mileage was "one" of the key factors pushing me back into the Mazdaspeed3

CUBIC SPACE
If you have kids this will be a factor, the Subarus trunk was very slim and kinda small you have to lay down the kids backpacks and push them back to close the trunk, and the Subarus Rear Shelf Speakers sit low in the car and you lose a good 5 inches due to the speakers hanging up inside that Subaru trunk. This was not a big deal until I had to pick up my kids in the typical Florida Monsoon rains and i am racing to get the kids loaded and their backpacks dont fit in as easy, yeah getting soaked is not fun.

Mazdaspeed3 Hatch WINS on this hands down zero comparison, I have crammed so much stuff in the back of my Mazdaspeed3 I should get a movers award, not only can i easily toss in the kids backpacks with ease, but I can, and have in the past hauled anything, including: Miata 4-point rollbar, 12 x 5 gallon pails of paint, 10" thick chopped logs at least 20+, Big Rocks and concrete pavers for the yard/garden, 4 sets of rims and tires (separated), full Mazdaspeed3 catback exhaust and downpipe, 15 gallon tree and other various potted plants, 9 x 80 lb bags of soil, 2 miata front bumpers (Nopro & GHO) plus the fender flares for them, a desk, groceries, etc etc. I have really made this into my work truck, and did I mention it gets excellent gas mileage ??

STYLING . These are both great looking cars, the Subaru looks more serious bees knees though, where as the Mazdaspeed3 just looks happy, hahahha. The STi I had had a big wing on the trunk which seemed to attract the police like bees to honey. The first day I had it a cop followed me for several blocks likely running my tags, which is super annoying and stressful, a few days later a Honda was revving his engine at me and instead of following the Honda the cop followed me. This only happened once in the Mazdaspeed3, but numerous times in the Subaru (it had to be that big wing though), every time I felt like I was being profiled as a street racer. ugh . But honestly without that wing the Subaru looks like every other boring 4-door sedan, lame. So damned if you do, damned if you dont I guess.

OTHER NOTES
The back window on the Subaru is rather small and if you have the big wing it feels even smaller, and there is no rear wiper on the Subaru, I got REALLY attached to the Mazdaspeed3 rear wiper blade, especially on rainy days, or colder days when you have that layer of fog, mist, dew or whatever, turn on the rear wiper and boom instant clarity. I like to just jump in my car and GO in the morning, I dont have time to wash off, or scrape off any morning dew when I go to work, and the rear defroster just takes too long. Hard to see cops following (pacing behind you) in the morning on the highway if you cannot see out that rear window.

My main 4 things that lead me back to the Mazdaspeed3

1. MPG
2. Cargo Room
3. Ride Comfort
4. that rear wiper arm. Yo

That was a great review. Thanks for that.

My son has a low mileage Mazda-3 2.5 hatch and loves it. He bought it new. He sometimes thinks he wants to get a Subaru to get some more room while having a sporty drive. This may convince him to keep the Mazda-3 until it is wore out.

hahhaaha there is NO WAY a Subaru will have more room than the Mazda3 Hatchback, unless they start making the hatch again, and then you still have to deal with the V8 gas mileage the Subaru gets. If he wants a sporty drive tell him to get a Mazdaspeed3

Congrats on the new daily, Randy, wish I could talk my wife into a MS3 but she doesn't like wagons. :cry2: I'd totally daily one!